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CURRICULUM VITAE
1. CIVIL STATUS:
Name and Surname: Sumbele Née Irene Ule Ngole
Date of Birth: 20 March 1972
Place of Birth: Mankon Town Hospital
Family Status: MARRIED With Three Children
Tel: (237) 699895366/674324979
2. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
2003-2010 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Zoology-Parasitology, University of
Buea, Cameroon
1998-2000 Master of Science (MSc) in Zoology, Department of Life Sciences,
University of Buea, Cameroon
1993-1997 Bachelor of Science (BSc) Hons (2.1) in Zoology, Department of
Biological Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria Nigeria
1991-1992 University of Yaoundé
1989-1991 General Certificate of Education, Advance Level (GCE A/L)
Baptist High School Buea
1984-1989 General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level (O/L) Presbyterian
Secondary School Mankon Bamenda
ANY OTHER QUALIFICATIONS RELEVANT TO THIS APPLICATION
2-12 August 2010 Hands-On Research in Complex Systems Advanced Study
Institute, University of Buea, Cameroon.
Nov 15th – Dec 21 2005 The 10th International Course for Clinical Immunology
of Infectious Diseases-Total Quality Management” ICCI-TQM. Faculty of Medicine,
Suez Canal University, Ismailia Egypt
28 November-1December 2005: Certificate of attendance, 26th African Health
Sciences Congress, “Health Challenges in Africa” November 28th –December 1st
2005. Stella Di Mare Ain Soukhna - Egypt.
14 - 18 July 2003 Immunologic and Molecular Biology Techniques used in
Malaria Research, University of Buea
Best Ph. D. student award-Science Expo 2009
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December 2000 Best graduating student in Zoology (M.Sc.) for the 1999/2000
Academic Year (Grade point Average of 3.41 on a scale of 4.0)
3 EMPLOYMENT RECORD: (beginning with the most recent)
May 2011 - Present Lecturer of Zoology, University of Buea
December 2005 – May 2011: Assistant Lecturer of Zoology, University of Buea
January 2004 - November 2005: Part-time Assistant Lecturer, University of Buea.
. June 2002 - September 2003: Head of Laboratory Department Kahwa-Sumbele
Medical Cabinet.
4 PUBLICATIONS
Theses
Sumbele IUN. Risk Factors For Anaemia in Children in Mount Cameroon Region: Roles of
Malaria, Nutrition, Soil-Transmitted Helminths and Iron Deficiency PhD
thesis presented at the University of Buea, 2010.
Ngole I. U. Health status and blood picture of goats and cattle slaughtered in Buea Sub-
division-Cameroon M.Sc. Thesis presented at the University of Buea 2000.
Ngole I. U. An investigation of the effect of Carica papaya seed extract on smooth muscle of
Oryctolagus cuniculus (rabbit) BSc Thesis presented at Ahmadu Bello University
Zaria, 1997.
PUBLICATIONS WITHIN THE GRADE OF ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR
Sumbele1 I. U. N. Nkemnji G. B. and Kimbi H.K. (2017). Soil-transmitted helminths and
plasmodiumfalciparum malaria among individuals living in different agroecosystems
in two rural communities in the mount Cameroon area: a cross-sectional study.
Infectious Diseases of Poverty 6:67DOI 10.1186/s40249-017-0266-6
PUBLICATIONS WITHIN THE GRADE OF LECTURER
Peer-Review Journal Article
Publications in 2016
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1. Ebai CB, Kimbi HK, Sumbele IUN, Yunga JE, Lehman LG.(2016a). Epidemiology of
Plasmodium falciparum Malaria in the Ikata-Likoko Area of Mount Cameroon: A Cross
Sectional Study. International Journal of Tropical Disease & Health 16(4): 1-12, Article
no.IJTDH.25890.
2. Ebai CB, Kimbi HK, Sumbele IUN, Yunga JE, Lehman LG. (2016b). Prevalence and
Risk Factors of Urinary Schistosomiasis in the Ikata-Likoko Area of Southwest
Cameroon. International Journal of TROPICAL DISEASE & Health 17(2): 1-10. Article
no.IJTDH.26669.
3. Ntonifor NH, Sumbele IUN, Joseph Ebot TJ. Soil-Transmitted Helminth Infections and
Associated Risk Factors in a Neglected Region in the Upper Nkongho-mbo Area, South-
west Region, Cameroon. International Journal of TROPICAL DISEASE & Health 16(3):
1-9, 2016, Article no.IJTDH.26048.
Publications in 2015
4. Sumbele IUN , Bopda OSM, Kimbi HK, Teh Rene Ning TR, Nkuo-Akenji T. (2015a)
Influence of Plasmodium gametocyte carriage on the prevalence of fever, splenomegaly
and cardiovascular parameters in children less than 15 years in the Mount Cameroon area:
cross sectional study. BMC Infectious Diseases 15:547. DOI 10.1186/s12879-015-1290-4
5. Sumbele IUN , Bopda OSM, Kimbi HK, Teh Rene Ning TR, Nkuo-Akenji T. (2015b).
Nutritional status of children in a malaria meso endemic area: cross sectional study on
prevalence, intensity, predictors, influence on malaria parasitaemia and anaemia severity.
BMC Public Health 15:1099. DOI 10.1186/s12889-015-2462-2.
6. Sumbele IUN , Kimbi HK, Ndamukong-Nyanga JL, Nweboh M, Anchang-Kimbi JK, Lum
E, NanaY, NdamukongKJN, Lehman LG (2015c). Malarial Anaemia and Anaemia
Severity in Apparently Healthy Primary School Children in Urban and Rural Settings in
the Mount Cameroon Area: Cross Sectional Survey. PLoS ONE, 10(4): e0123549.
doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0123549.
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7. Ndamukong-Nyanga JL, KimbiHK, Sumbele IUN, Nana Y, Bertek SC, Ndamukong JKN,
Lehman LG. (2015a). A Cross-sectional Study on the Influence of Altitude and
Urbanisation on Co-infection of Malaria and Soil-transmitted Helminths in Fako Division,
South West Cameroon. International Journal of Tropical Disease & Health 8(4): 150-164
8. Ndamukong-Nyanga JL, KimbiHK, Sumbele IUN, Bertek SC Lafortune K, Larissa KN,
Gaelle MK, Linda NYA, Hervé NN, Brice ANPB, Marlyse MS, Tonga C, Ndamukong
JKN, Lehman LG. (2015b). Comparison of the Partec CyScope® Rapid Diagnostic Test
with Light Microscopy for Malaria Diagnosis in Rural Tole, Southwest Cameroon. British
Journal of Medicine & Medical Research 8(7): 623-633.
Publications in 2014
9. Sumbele IUN , Ning TR, Bopda OSM, Nkuo-Akenji T. Variation in malariometric and red
cell indices in children in the Mount Cameroon area following enhanced malaria control
measures: evidence from a repeated cross-sectional study. Malaria Journal. 2014; 13: 334.
10. Ndamukong-Nyanga JLN, Kimbi HK, Sumbele IUN, Lum E, Nweboh MN, Nana Y,
Ndamukong KJN (2014a). Sociodemographic and environmental factors influencing
asymptomatic malaria and anaemia incidence among school children in Fako Division,
South West Cameroon. British Journal of Medicine & Medical Research, 4(20):3814-
3827.
11.Ndamukong-Nyanga JLN, Kimbi HK, Sumbele IUN, Lum E, Nweboh MN Nana Y,
Bertek SC, Ndamukong KJN (2014b). Assessing the Performance Characteristics of the
“CareStartTM Malaria HRP2 pf (CAT NO: G0141, ACCESSBIO)” Rapid Diagnostic Test
for Asymptomatic Malaria in Mutengene, Cameroon. International Journal of TROPICAL
DISEASE & Health 4(9): 1011-1023.
12.Kimbi HK, Nkesa SB, Ndamukong-Nyanga JLN, Sumbele IUN, Atashili J. Atanga MBS
(2014a). Socio-demographic factors influencing the ownership and utilization of
insecticide-treated bed nets among malaria vulnerable groups in the Buea Health District,
Cameroon. BMC Research Notes 2014, 7:624.
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13.Kimbi HK, Nkesa SB, Ndamukong-Nyanga JLN, Sumbele IUN, Atashili J. Atanga MBS.
(2014b). Knowledge and perceptions towards malariaprevention among vulnerable groups
in the Buea Health District, Cameroon. BMC Public Health. 14:883.
14.Sumbele IU , Ngole VM, Georges-Ivo E. Ekosse GIE (2014). Influence of physico-
chemistry and mineralogy on the occurrence of geohelminths in geophagic soils from
selected communities in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, and their possible implication on
human health International Journal of Environmental Health Research 24 (1):18-30.
Publications in 2013
15. Sumbele IUN , Samje M and Nkuo-Akenji T. (2013). A longitudinal study on anaemia in
children with Plasmodium falciparum infection in the Mount Cameroon region:
prevalence, risk factors and perceptions by caregivers. BMC Infectious Diseases, 13:123
16. Kimbi HK, Sumbele IUN, Nweboh M, Anchang-Kimbi JK, Lum E, NanaY, Ndip LM,
Njom H, Lehman LG (2013a). Malaria and haematologic parameters of pupils at
different altitudes along the slope of Mount Cameroon: A cross-sectional study. Malaria
Journal 12:193.
17. Kimbi HK, Nana Y, Sumbele IUN, Anchang-Kimbi JK, Lum E, Tonga C, Nweboh M,
Lehman LG. (2013b). Environmental factors and preventive methods against malaria
parasite prevalence in rural Bomaka and urban Molyko. Southwest Cameroon. Journal of
Bacteriology and Parasitology;4:1.
Publications in the Grade of Assistant lecturer
Articles in Peer-Reviewed Journal
1. Sumbele IUN, Nkuo-Akenji T., Samje M., Ndzeize T., Ngwa E. M., Titanji V. P. K.
(2010). Haematological changes and recovery associated with treated and untreated
Plasmodium falciparum infection in children in the Mount Cameroon region. Journal of
Clinical Medicine and Research, 2(9), 125-134.
2. Nkuo-Akenji T. K., Sumbele I., Mankah E.N., Njunda A.L., Samje M. Kamga L.
(2008). The Burden of Malaria and Malnutrition among Children Less Than 14 Years of
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Age in a Rural Village of Cameroon. African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and
Development 8 (3):252 – 264.
3. Nkuo-Akenji T. K., Chi P. C., Cho J. F., Ndamukong K. N J., Sumbele I. (2006).
Malaria and Helminth Co-Infection in Children Living in a Malaria Endemic Setting of
Mount Cameroon and Predictors of Anaemia. Journal Of Parasitology 92,( 6)1191-1195.
Book Chapter
4 Nkuo-Akenji T., Cho J. F.,Nota D.A., Sumbele I (2007). A Comparative Study of
Haematological Parameters in Children with and Without Plasmodium Falciparum
Gametocytes. In: Malaria Research Trends. Editors: Devin A. Flanigan
Conference Papers and Abstracts
Conference papers
o Sumbele IUN, Nkuo-Akenji T , Samje M, Ngwa EM, Titanji VPK. Age Related
Pattern and Severity of Malarial Anaemia, Malnutrition and Iron Deficiency Anaemia in
Children in the Mount Cameroon Region. 3rd WSU International research conference.
Mthatha South Africa. 18 -20 August 2010.
o Sumbele IUN, Nkuo-Akenji T , Samje M, Ngwa EM, Njunda A. and Kamga L.
Prevalence and Severity of Malarial Anaemia, Malnutrition and Iron Deficiency
Anaemia in Two Semi - Rural Settings in the Mount Cameroon Region. University of
Buea, Science Expo. 13 -14 March 2009
Abstracts
o Sumbele I, Teh R, Orelien M, Nkuo-Akenji. Variation in malariometric and red cell
indices in children in the Mount Cameroon Region following enhanced malaria control
measures: Evidence from a repeated cross sectional study. 3rd African Epidemiology and
1st Cameroon Society of epidemiology scientific conference. African Journal of
Epidemiology 2014, 2(Suppl 1):3.
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o Sumbele IUN, Nkuo-Akenji T , Samje M, Ngwa EM, Titanji VPK. Age Related
Pattern and Severity of Malarial Anaemia, Malnutrition and Iron Deficiency Anaemia in
Children in the Mount Cameroon Region. 3rd WSU International research conference
Book of abstract. P: 53 2010.
o Sumbele I U. Risk Factors for Anaemia in Children with Plasmodium falciparum
Malaria in the Mount Cameroon Region: Roles of Nutrition, Wormwood and Iron
Deficiency. Abstract No. 143. American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
2010, 83(5s) 43.
o Sumbele I. Malarial anaemia and severity in apparently healthy primary school pupils in
urban and semi-urban settings in the Mount Cameroon Region Abstract No. 735 I 6th
MIM Conference, 2013.
o Samje M, Irene Sumbele I, Njunda A, Mankah E, Kamga L, Nkuo-Akenji T.
Assessment of packed cell volume (PCV) and plasma iron levels following treatment for
malaria and helminthic infections in children in rural Muea, Cameroon. The Cameroon
Malaria Research and Control Report 2008-2011. P 18.
o Sumbele IUN, Nkuo-Akenji T , Samje M, Ngwa EM, Njunda A. and Kamga L.
Prevalence and Severity of Malarial Anaemia, Malnutrition and Iron Deficiency
Anaemia in Two Semi - Rural Settings in the Mount Cameroon Region. Science
Expo, University of Buea. March 2009.
o I. Ngole-Sumbele, E. Abongwa, T. Nkuo-Akenji. Seasonal changes in
haematological parameters in children 0-5 years residing in a rural malaria endemic
area of Mount Cameroon [MIM-I-54804] Acta Tropica Supplement 95s, 2005.
5. NAMES AND ADDRESSES OF THREE REFEREES
Theresa Nkuo-Akenji
Professor of Parasitology
Vice Chancellor
University of Bamenda,
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Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology
University of Buea
Cameroon
Email: [email protected]
Helen Kuokuo Kimbi-Mbufong
Associate Professor of Medical Parasitology
Department of Medical Laboratory Science
Faculty of Health Sciences
University of Bamenda
Kenneth J. N. Ndamukong
Associate Professor of Zoology
Department of Animal Sciences
University of Buea, Cameroon
Email: [email protected]
6. INNOVATIVE WORK AND CONTRIBUTION TO CURRICULUM
DEVELOPMENT
A. INNOVATIVE WORK
My research competence is mainly in the epidemiology of Plasmodium and helminth
infections and outcome such as anaemia and malarial anaemia as well as associated
morbidities such as malnutrition. We investigated the additive influence of gametocyte
carriage on the prevalence of fever, splenomegaly and cardiovascular parameters in
children < 14 years. Gametocytaemia significantly influenced the prevalence of fever,
splenomegaly and systolic blood pressure. I am also interested on the impact of these
infections on the haematological parameters as malaria is associated with a hall mark of
haematological changes of which there are several unknown. In addition, co-infection of
malaria and helminth can exacerbate the condition. In order to fill in the gaps most of my
studies on malaria and helminth infections have addressed the impact of these infections
on haematological values as well as the epidemiology of abnormal haematological
manifestations such as leucopaenia, microcytosis, and thrombocytopaenia following
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infection. My findings highlights the insidious effects of asymptomatic malaria on
haematologic components were it influenced the prevalence of leucopaenia, microcytosis,
hypochromasia and thrombocytopaenia than clinical malaria parasitaemia. I observed that
children concurrently having asexual parasitaemia and gametocytes have significantly
lower, Hct, Hb levels, RBC and platelet counts. Worthy of note, is the assertion that,
anaemia is a severe public health problem in the Mount Cameroon area and the presence
of stunting a chronic form of malnutrition significantly augments the prevalence and
clinical presentation of Plasmodium infection. Also malnutrition enhances the severity of
anaemia in malaria parasite negative children hence, their health and growth potential
needs to be improved upon.
To be able to control malaria and anaemia, their respective risk factors needs to be
identified. Also the effective monitoring of the prevalence of malaria parasite through
proper diagnosis is invaluable in the control of these morbid conditions. I have been able
to identify the risk factors of infection with malaria and anaemia in children in the Mount
Cameroon area. I have also assessed the sensitivities and specificities of different malaria
rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) (especially those that are commonly used in health care
settings) in relation to light microscopy which is considered to be the gold standard of
malaria diagnosis. The sensitivities and specificities of Partec CyScope® were satisfactory
and can be used for mass malaria surveillance while more research needs to be carried to
improve on the performance characteristics of the CareStartTM Malaria HRP2 pf before it
could be used in mass surveillance programmes. Even though control efforts against
malaria have been intensified, malaria prevalence is still high. I have assessed the factors
influencing the possession and the utilization of insecticide treated bed nets (ITN)
/mosquito bed nets as well as its impact on malariometric indices overtime. All the
information gathered is invaluable in the development of informed policy on the control of
these infections.
B. CONTRIBUTION TO CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT
Member, Departmental examination board, Department of Plant and Animal Sciences
Member, Departmental examination board, Department of Zoology and Animal
Physiology
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Member, Faculty Examination Board, Faculty of Science, University of Buea
Member, Departmental Examination team for the follow up and counselling of students
during their stay at the Department
Member, Departmental Scientific Committee for pre-examination of Scientific
Documents before submission
7. THESES AND DISSERTATION SUPERVISED
a) Supervision of BSc Projects
I have supervised over 36 BSc projects in different areas of Zoology especially in
Protozoology and helminthology (Parasitology).
b) Supervision of MSc Theses
1. Ayeah Joy (2016): Health status of school-aged children with reference to soil-
transmitted helminth, malaria, anaemia, and malnutrition in Muyuka, Mount Cameroon
area.
2. Egbe confidence (2016): The prevalence and intensity of malaria and gastro-intestinal
parasites in non-human primates in the limbe wildlife centre, South West Region,
Cameroon.
3. Ebah Jude Yunga (2015): Anaemia in individuals suffering from malaria, urinary
schistosomiasis and malnutrition in the Muyuka-Munyenge corridor.
4. Sama Odmia Sharon (2015): Prospective studies on moderate to severe anaemia and
malarial anaemia in children at presentation to the Regional Hospital Annex Buea
2015.
5. Nkeh Ndiwago Cosmas (2015): Plasmodium and helminth infections in Debuncha;
prevalence, intensity, risk factors and effect of Plasmodium infection on haematological
parameters.
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6. Fuhgwa Norbert Fuhnwi (2015): Knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of antenatal care
attendees regarding prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV in the Mezam
Division.
7. Njukang Ernest Nkem (2015) : Assessing the health seeking behaviour of caregivers
in the treatment of childhood malaria in the context of free treatment: case of Limbe
Health District.
8. Mbuh Salioh Mbinyui (2015): Validation of the loop mediated isothermal amplification
(LAMP) as a useful tool to detect the infection in snail intermediate hosts of
Schistosoma haematobium in two endemic foci of the Mount Cameroon region.
9. Vecheusi Zennobia Viyoff (2014): An assessment of the utilisation of the prevention of
mother to child transmission of HIV/AIDS (PMTCT) services based on the perspective
of health care providers in the South West Region.
10. Foncha Robert Nuifondieng (2014): The determinants of adherence to antiretroviral
treatment (ART) among people living with human immune deficiency virus/acquired
immunodeficiency syndrome (PLW HIV/AIDS) and receiving care at the Regional
Hospital Limbe (RHL).
11. Tasah Martin Mih (2014): Prevalence of malaria and anaemia among HIV-Infected
and HIV naive individuals attending the Regional Hospital Annex, Buea.
12. Sandie Mekachie Sorelle (2014): Malaria infection in HIV-seropositive and HIV-
seronegative individuals attending the Regional Hospital Limbe: Knowledge and
attitude .
13. Joseph Ebot Tabot (2014): Prevalence, intensity and risk factors of soil-transmitted
helminth infections in the upper Nkongho-Mbo area, South West Region, Cameroon.
14. Kiban Kevin Tang (2014). In vivo efficacy and haematological risk of artemether-
lumefantrine in unsupervised treatment of uncomplicated falciparum malaria in patients
in the Mount Cameroon Region.
15. Scholastica Kaga Muah (2014): Malaria and soil-transmitted helminth co-infection in
school children: A cross sectional study in Fako Division.
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16. Nkemnji Gladys Belanka (2014): Malaria and soil-transmitted helminth infections in
relation to agro-farming communities and systems in the Mount Cameroon Region:
Implication for Control.
17. Teh Rene Ning (2013): Evaluating the impact of insecticide treated net use on
malariometric and related cardiovascular indices in children in Muea, in the Mount
Cameroon Region.
18. Nana Yannick (2012): The influence of haemoglobin genotype and environmental
factors on the prevalence and density of malaria in primary school children living in the
Mount Cameroon Region.
19. Nweboh Malaika Nain (2012): The impact of malaria on the haemoglobin levels of
pupils at different altitudes along the slope of Mount Cameroon.
Supervision of PhD Thesis
1. Ndamukong (2015): Studies on malaria and soil-transmitted helminth co-infection and
rapid diagnostic tests for asymptomatic malaria in the Mount Cameroon area.
2. Besong Calvin Ebai (2017) Prevalence and therapeutic responses of Plasmodium
falciparum and Schistosoma haematobium in the Ikata- Likoko area of Southwest
Cameroon
3.
Ongoing Supervision of PhD
Teh Rene Ning (2015): Influence of Sub-microscopic malaria parasitaemia on anaemia
severity, nutritional status and haematological indices in children along different slopes in the
Mount Cameroon area.
Sandie SM (2015): malaria and enteric protozoan infections in HIV positive patients at
initiation or on antiretroviral therapy in the regional hospital limbe: a case control study.
Bate Ayukeenchengamba (2015): Sero-prevalence and associated risk factors of Toxoplasma
gondii infection in school age children in urban and rural setting in Littoral Region
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Beatrice Yutiambu Ndanji (2015): Ownership, utilization of insecticide treated nets and
Plasmodium falciparum malaria in communities in the South West Region, Cameroon
8. OFFICES HELD WITHIN LEARNED OR PROFESSIONAL SOCIETIES
o Member of Zoology Educational and Research Society (ZERS), University of Buea,
Since 2000
o Member of Cameroon Ecological Society (CES), Since 2006
10. MAJOR ACADEMIC VISITS AND COLLABORATIONS
o Took third year student to the Fisheries research station in Batoke to acquaint
themselves with the processes involved in the rearing hatching and preservation of
fish.
o Travel grant from JICA and WHO for Six weeks (Nov15th – Dec 21 st 2005), Faculty
of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismalia, Egypt. To attend Training on Clinical
Immunology of Infectious Diseases and Total Quality management” ICCI-TQM.
Under the Third Country Training Program of Japan International Cooperation
Agency, with the Coordination of the Egyptian Fund of Technical Cooperation with
Africa and World Health organization (www.icci-tqm.net).
o Did a collaborative research work on geo-helminth and geophagic clays with the
IGCP Project 545. Project Leader: Prof. Georges Ekosse.
11. SEMINARS AND WORKSHOPS ATTENDED (NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL)
o 3rd Conference of the African Epidemiological Association (IEA - AEA) and Ist
International Conference of the Cameroon Society of Epidemiology (CaSE) Mont
Febe Hotel, Yaounde, 4-6 June, 2014 Where I gave an oral presentation
o Introduction to Bioinformatics using the eBioKit platform. University of Buea,
Cameroon, 27 - 30 October, 2014.
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o 3rd WSU International research conference. Mthatha South Africa 18 - 20 August
2010 where I gave an oral presentation
o Hands-On Research in Complex Systems Advanced Study Institute, University of
Buea, Cameroon. 2 - 12 August 2010.
o UB Science Expo 2014 held on 13-14 March, 2014 at the University of Buea.
o Mini-Symposium: Science at the interface between Disciplines, 12 March, 2010.
o The 10th International Course for Clinical Immunology of Infectious Diseases-Total
Quality Management” ICCI-TQM. Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University,
Ismailia Egypt. Nov15th – Dec 21 2005.
o 26th African Health Sciences Congress, “Health Challenges in Africa” Stella Di
Mare Ain Soukhna - Egypt. 28 November-1December 2005:
o Immunologic and Molecular Biology Techniques used in Malaria Research.
University of Buea, Cameroon, 14-18 July 2003
12. a) MAIN AREA OF COMPETENCE: MEDICAL PARASITOLOGY
My focus is on the epidemiology of malaria and helminthiasis and associated outcomes such
as anaemia and malnutrition:
Epidemiology of Malaria, Anaemia and helminth infections
Malaria and Associated Morbidities
Diagnosis and treatment of Malaria
Control of Malaria
Malaria especially that caused by Plasmodium falciparum remains the primary reason for
consultation in health facilities in Cameroon. In my investigations over the years, I have
assessed the epidemiology of malaria in the Mount Cameroon area with the main focus on
children less than 14 years of age (Sumbele et al., 2013; Sumbele et al., 2014a; Sumbele et
al., 2015a b c). The information obtained from the studies revealed malaria is still meso-
endemic in the Mount Cameroon area even though a relative risk reduction in malaria
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parasite prevalence of up to 57.2% was observed over a 7 years period. Worthy of note is the
significant change in morbidity with age especially in children greater than 10 years of age
(Sumbele et al., 2014a; Sumbele et al., 2016 - in press). In addition we have identified the
risk factors that influence the prevalence and density of malaria parasite such as
environmental factors (Kimbi et al., 2013b), altitude (Kimbi et al., 2013a; Ndamukong-
Nyanga et al., 2015), urbanization (Ndamukong-Nyanga et al., 2015), and socio-demographic
factors (Ebai et al., 2016a). Findings from these studies revealed that the prevalence of
malaria is higher in those living in homes surrounded by bushes /stagnant water, lower
altitudes, rural areas and living in wooden houses when compared with those surrounded by
clean environments, higher altitudes, urban and brick houses.
Anaemia is an indicator of poor nutrition but infectious diseases, in particular malaria and
helminth infections, are important factors contributing to the high prevalence of anaemia in
many populations. I have used a multiplicity of investigative methods including,
demographic surveys, clinical evaluation and monitoring, anthropometric, parasitological,
haematological and biochemical assessment in an endeavour to assess the burden, risk factors
and contribution of malaria to the occurrence of anaemia in the Mount Cameroon area as well
other haematological abnormalities associated with malaria. The prevalence of anaemia has
experienced a decline over the years following malaria interventions (Sumbele et al., 2013;
Sumbele et al., 2014) with the highest relative risk reduction occurring in moderate anaemia.
The risk factors of anaemia identified in children with P. falciparum malaria were parasite
density, splenomegaly, duration of fever, high white blood cell count, being male, iron status
(ferritin and transferrin), level of education of care giver, wasting and management of onset
of fever (Sumbele et al., 2013) while in other groups of children, malnutrition (Sumbele et
al., 2015b), age group≤ 6 years, being malaria parasite negative and microcytosis (Sumbele et
al., 2015c) were identified as important contributors to the pathogenesis of anaemia. I have
also assessed malarial anaemia (MA) and anaemia severity in children in different urban
settings and the impact of MA on haematological values. The findings which have been
published in PloS ONE (Sumbele et al., 2015c) reveal that MA and anaemia is significantly
higher in children in the urban than in the rural areas and children with MA had a significant
reduction in mean Hct and RBC counts than their non malaria anaemic counterpart. In
addition I also reported the attributable risk of anaemia caused by malaria in various groups
of children (less than 25%) as shown in (Sumbele et al., 2015c; Sumbele et al., 2016 – in
press).
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In tropical countries and malaria endemic areas, co-infection of malaria parasite and helminth
infection is common. Previously (Nkuo-Akenji et al., 2006), in the Mount Cameroon area, we
examined co-infection of malaria parasite and soil-transmitted helminth infection and
identified the risk factors of anaemia. We have gone further to look at the influence of
altitude, urbanisation, and different agro-ecosystem on the prevalence of co-infection in the
Mount Cameroon area (Ndamukong-Nyanga et al., 2015 in International Journal of
TROPICAL DISEASE &HEALTH and Sumbele et al., 2016 in press in Infectious Disease of
poverty). Our findings reveal that even though co-infection is on the decline, it varied
significantly with level of urbanisation with the highest level occurring in the rural areas.
Furthermore the tea farming agro-ecosystem, age and lack of access to potable water, soil
type and contamination and toilet type constitute significant risk factors for infection with
STH (Sumbele et al., 2016; Ntonifor et al., 2016). Co-infection of malaria and soil-
transmitted helminths negatively influenced haematological values and indices (Sumbele et
al., 2016 in press). Other helminth infections investigated in the area include Schistosoma
haematobium epidemiology in the Ikata Likoko area (Ebai et al., 2016b)
In the area of morbidities associated with malaria, we employed modern techniques to
monitor haematological indices following infection. We demonstrated malaria parasite
negatively influenced red cell indices (Sumbele et al., 2010; Kimbi et al., 2013a) and
lymphocyte counts (Sumbele et al., 2015a). We also identified leucopaenia, microcytosis and
thrombocytopaenia as other haematological abnormalities accompanying malaria infection in
the region which decreased following intervention (Kimbi et al., 2013a; Sumbele et al.,
2014a). We have also demonstrated the insidious effects of asymptomatic malaria on
haematologic components were it influenced the prevalence of leucopaenia, microcytosis,
hypochromasia and thrombocytopaenia than clinical malaria parasitaemia (Kimbi et al.,
2013a). Over the years I have evaluated the occurrence of splenomegaly, a main clinical
marker of endemicity of P. falciparum transmission in various groups of children as well as
the influence of gametocyte carriage on its prevalence (Sumbele et al., 2013; Sumbele et al.,
2014a, Sumbele et al., 2015a). The occurrence of splenomegaly in the Mount Cameroon area
changed over time with the highest occurrence in older children than the younger age group
while gametocyte carriage influenced the prevalence of splenomegaly. Another morbidity
investigated was malnutrition. Synergism between malnutrition and infection is responsible
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for much of the excess mortality among individuals in less developed regions. I demonstrated
the presence of chronic form of malnutrition (stunting) significantly augmented the
prevalence and clinical presentation of Plasmodium infection (Sumbele et al., 2015b).
Furthermore, malnutrition was observed to enhance the severity of anaemia in malaria
parasite negative children hence, their health and growth potential needs to be improved
upon.
To effectively assess the epidemiology of malaria, proper diagnosis of infection is invaluable.
We have evaluated the sensitivities and specificities of some of the rapid diagnostic tests in use
such as CareStartTM Malaria HRP2 pf (CAT NO:G0141, ACCESSBIO) (Ndamukong-Nyanga
et al., 2014) and the modified version of the fluorescent microscope called the Partec
CyScope® Rapid Diagnostic Test (Ndamukong-Nyanga et al., 2015) in relation to the gold
standard the light microscopy. It is worthy of note that these RDT do not need any expertise to
be performed and can be used in areas without electricity. The sensitivities and specificities of
Partec CyScope® were satisfactory and can be used for mass malaria surveillance while more
research needs to be carried to improve on the performance characteristics of the CareStartTM
Malaria HRP2 pf before it could be used in mass surveillance programmes. Following our
findings on the studies on haematological changes and recovery associated with treated and
untreated Plasmodium falciparum infection in children (Sumbele et al., 2010) we are currently
monitoring the in vivo efficacy and haematological risk associated with the use of first
(Amodiaquine artesunate) and second line treatment (Artemether lumefantrine) of
uncomplicated malaria.
There are many preventive measures of malaria both at community and individual level, with
the most promising being insecticide-treated bed nets (ITN). In spite of several control
measures in place, malaria is still a public health problem. We set out to investigate the
impact of these control measures through evaluating the variation in malariometric indices
over time. The findings which show a decline in malaria associated morbidities are reported
in Malaria Journal (Sumbele et al., 2014). I also investigated the possession and utilization
of ITN. The possession and effective usage of ITN increased significantly overtime with
majority of effective users below 5 years of age (Sumbele et al., 2014).
Although the effective use of ITN increased over time in the Mount Cameroon area, malaria
prevalence still remains high in the region. We set out to evaluate the level of knowledge and
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perceptions towards malaria prevention and the socio-demographic factors influencing the
ownership and use of nets in homes in the Buea health district (Kimbi et al., 2014 a, b). The
findings reveal that people in the area are generally knowledgeable about malaria and ITN
use. On the other hand, living in an urban area and block-louver houses influenced the use of
mosquito bed nets than in rural and block-pane houses.
Overall, the results of our studies have provided detailed information on the prevalence,
intensity risk factors of malaria as well as associated morbidities with a focus on anaemia and
malarial anaemia. The diagnosis and impact of malarial control in the Mount Cameroon area
was also highlighted. In addition we have also provided information on helminth infection
and risk factors. These have contributed to the knowledge of the epidemiology and patho-
biology of malaria, anaemia, malarial anaemia and helminth infections especially in
Cameroon and the world in general.
b). RESEARCH GRANTS OBTAINED
o The UNDP/ World Bank/ WHO special programme for research and Training in
Tropical Diseases awarded to Prof. Theresa Nkuo-Akenji Project (Project ID 990965).
2002 – 2004. Title of project: Malaria pilot centre in rural setting of Mount Cameroon
through multi-disciplinary approach studies.
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13. ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES:
a) WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT
o Member of Departmental Board
o Member of Departmental Scientific Committee
o Patron of Zoology student association (ZERs)
o Course Master in several courses at the undergraduate and post-graduate levels
o No permanent administrative function but performed various administrative
duties such as: Preparation of course assignment to lecturers, Registration of
students into various courses; Follow-up of students’ academic performance,
Preparation of list of graduating students, correction of transcripts.
b) WITHIN THE FACULTY
o Member of Faculty Board
o Member of several committee organizing conferences
o Secretary of committee investigating problems in the Department of
Mathematics
c) WITHIN THE CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION
o Member of catering committee in the organization of 17th convocation of
University of Buea
d) MEMBER OF UNIVERSITY COMMITTEES
o Member of local organising committee on Hands-On Research in Complex
Systems Advanced Study Institute.
o Representative of lecturers of the Department of Zoology and Animal
Physiology to the teachers committee of the Peace and Justice commission of
University of Buea.
e) REPRESENTATIVE OF THE UNIVERSITY IN EXTERNAL BODIES.
o Reviewer in several Academic Journals.
15. OUT-REACH ACTIVITIES
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o I have been involved in the free diagnosis and treatment of malaria, soil-
transmitted helminth and schistosomiasis in the Mount Cameroon area in the
course of my research work.
o I have also been involved in the giving of free lectures on preventive measures
against malnutrition, malaria and soil-transmitted helminth to people and
communities in the Mount Cameroon area.
o Member of organising committee University Convocation (Catering
subcommittee) December 2012.
o Member of the organising committee, scientific sub-committee, Science Expo
2013.
o Editor Research update Vol II (2010-2013) Faculty of Science, University of
Buea
o Member of organising committee/ Facilitator of the workshop on Introduction
to Bioinformatics using the eBioKit platform.
o Member of Christ Chapel international church Levites.
o Member (Christian Women) Non-align group in Buea Station Presbyterian
Church.
o Reviewer Infectious Disease of Poverty (Bio Med Central)
o Reviewer BMJ Open
o Reviewer for PLoS One
o Reviewer BMC Archives of Public Health
o Reviewer International Journal of Environmental Health Research (MDPI)
o Reviewer International Journal of tropical health and Diseases (Science
Domain)
DECLARATION
I certify that all the information listed above is true and correct.
Date 04/07/2017 Signature
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